STARTING today, hundreds of children across Burton and South Derbyshire will be entitled to free school meals.

Figures show that around 161,000 pupils will benefit from the Government's expansion of free dinners.

Under the policy, a free school meal is being offered to all children in Reception, Year 1 and 2.

Matthew Reed, chief executive of the Children's Society, said: "The extension of free school meals to all infants in the Midlands is a positive step in the fight against child poverty, and shows that the Government recognises the hardship that thousands of families are facing."